SINGAPORE 60's: ANDY's POP MUSIC INFLUENCE IS MY PERSONAL MUSIC AND MEMORY TRAIL. PICTURES TELL STORIES BUT I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO YOU TUBE VIDEOS, AUDIO TRACKS OR IMAGES. THEY HAVE BEEN UPLOADED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES SO INFORM ME IF COPYRIGHTED AND THEY WILL BE DELETED. ANDY LIM (NOVEMBER, 2008).

Monday, January 05, 2009

History Of The Victoria Theatre Singapore Nostalgia Can Aid Mental Health

Journal Article:

Nostalgia is not a psychiatric disorder and occurs in all cultures and amongst all age group. Research suggests that it can promote psychological health with overall positive feelings including higher self esteem and the increased feeling of being loved. It counteracts the effects of loneliness and increases perceptions of social support.

Nostalgia provides a link between our past and present selves i.e. it may provide us with a positive view which could help to give a greater sense of continuity and meaning to our lives. It may acquire greater significance in old age as elderly adults are vulnerable to social isolation. "Nostalgia is now emerging as a fundermental human strength and we play a starring role in our nostalgic scenes."

The first image shows a house party, at a bungalow at Mountbatten Road, which blogger organised. It shows the dancing that took place at the large patio. For dance music, records spin from a radiogram and tapes on large spools were played that evening. Later on in the evening, the lights were dimmed. Just across Mountbatten Road and beyond a row of bungalows was the open sea at Katong, where many young couples enjoy a private moment.The second image shows the Victoria Theatre with the clock tower where many dances and music events are held. It still stands today.

Victoria Theatre (posted on 4th August, 2010)"Reliving the Glory Days:The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District is one of the most historically versatile buildings in all of Singapore. In the course of its nearly 150-year history, apart from being a focal point for arts and cultural entertainment, this handsome Victorian-era colonial landmark with its distinctive Palladian clock tower, Italianate windows and rusticated columns was once a town hall, hospital and a war crimes trials court.

The history of this building is a fascinating one. In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that it wasn’t even originally intended to be a theatre. Designed by prominent architect John Bennett, it actually began life as the young colony’s Town Hall in 1862. The fact that it had two large halls on each of its two floors allowed it to stage concerts. And soon, while it thronged to the footsteps of municipal employees in the day, amateur groups were busy putting on plays and concerts at night.

When Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, the colonial government decided to erect a memorial to her long reign, deciding that a public hall alongside the existing Town Hall building would be a fitting tribute. And sensibly, they decided, in the name of continuity, to keep the same architectural style as the earlier municipal building.

The new building was christened Victoria Memorial Hall upon completion in 1905, and almost immediately, the Town Hall underwent renovations to turn it into a theatre, with the space between the buildings earmarked for a splendid clock tower. The makeover project (to turn the complex into three different parts) was completed in 1909 when Victoria Theatre officially opened.

In the period before World War II, the Victoria Theatre and Memorial Hall staged many concerts, musicals and plays, including a performance by Noel Coward in 1930. It was lucky to have survived intact during the Japanese air raids, and during the Japanese Occupation its strategic location in the city saw it being used as a hospital.

During peaceful times, it was also the scene of political milestones, chief among them the launch of the ruling People’s Action Party in 1954. And then in 1962, the original bronze statue of Singapore’s founder Stamford Raffles, which had been standing at the nearby Padang for years, was moved to the front of the building. When the Singapore Symphony Orchestra moved in 1979, the complex was renamed Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

To preserve the grandeur and allure of the old dame, it will close later this year for an extensive two-and-half year renovation, before reopening in 2013. So on your visit to Singapore, don’t miss your final chance to capture a slice of its old glory."

Dear Sir,Thank you for your interesting comment. The picture above could trigger off some memories and nostalgia as it was taken at a very large bungalow at Mountbatten Road. A few guitar groups started their humble beginnings playing at this palatial home.

Apparently the band was situated in the living room (unseen) while the merrymakers danced in the verandah under the bright moonlight.

I love John Keats' (1795-1821) To Hope, from his collection of poems under, Keats: Truth and Imagination. It's a book from my home library. He was well-known for poems like The Eve of St. Agnes, Ode To A Grecian Urn and others. He died at the very young age of 25. The hymn, Whispering Hope, another favourite of mine, was playing on YouTube and I was listening to the Haley Westenra's rendition. It was one of a number of songs composed by Septimus Winner (1827-1902). Jim Reeves made it famous in 1958. CLICK PIX

ANDY YOUNG

SCROLL DATES FOR ARCHIVES

KEY IN SEARCH TOPIC

TRANSLATE LANGUAGE INTO:

JOHNNY HALLYDAY RIP 1943-2017.

He was one of the top stars in the 60's, followed Elvis' style and sang rockabilly numbers. He started off right and like so many singers then, followed The King impact. But what I like about Hallyday, as he grew in his own image, with his powerful voice, muscle-flexed stature, he became an original French rock star, not a rock-n-roll star. And he was outstanding - a man of his own before he died. CLICK PIX TO READ

CHRISTMAS WITH THE STYLERS 60's

Check out this home party where neighbours visit each other for a dance session with Singapore's most recorded band, The Stylers. Click Pix To Read

1985 VINYL RECORDING WONDERFUL ENCOUNTER: HE'S THE ONE

A group of late 60s and 70s Singapore musicians got together and recorded on Polygram ten songs in praise of God. It was, according to the sleeve back-cover, "a Gospel music adventure to spread His Word through a variety of popular music rhythms." CLICK PIX TO READ

CHRISTMAS SHOW REHEARSAL AT OCEAN PARK HOTEL 1960'S WITH WILMA TANG

We had our own well-known female vocalists too. I shared the same stage with WILMA TANG (image taken off a dance-ball magazine) when she sang at a charity dinner in the 60s. She was a hit those days as a professional singer and appeared regularly at the Ocean Park night club at East Coast Road, Singapore. CLICK PIX TO READ

CHRISTMAS TIME IS CHRIST TIME

A Passage from the Bible about why we celebrate Christmas. So read it carefully. CLICK PIX TO READ

7 - 10 PM. REMEMBER, REMEMBER 23RD DECEMBER

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US. The concert, THE SILVER STRINGS with 4 other bands, will surprise and entertain both the older and younger generation as there is no better way to relive the local music scene! CLICK PIX TO READ.

AUSSIE 60'S POPS CHECK OUT

Steve wanted to interview some band boys so I managed the help of Mr Michael Bangar (professional guitarist playing rhythm for Silver Strings) to speak to him. We had our first session and a few days later, a larger group came. Steve brought with him some vinyl records. I list the artistes and songs covered on both Side A and B. All artistes were from Australia: CLICK PIX

WATCH:

Catch them: CLICK PURPLE ABOVE

COME ON BOARD

2,600 VIEWS+ LOCOMOTION: TAKE A RIDE WITH THEM. (THIS POSTING IS A READERS' RECORD HIGH)

Charlie Yap is a kind gentleman who, like a few friends, sends me WhatsApp posters and videos. Although he plays bass, I never realised he is the present band leader of this popular local group that is currently active in our clubs. When I asked him if he could tell me about his band, he willingly obliged. CLICK PIX TO READ

ANDY's 60's MUSIC IS

TO ALL READERS

WHEN READERS WRITE. CHECK ALL 3 POSTS BELOW:

(1) FOR THE DISCERNING READERS WHO WRITE FOR INFORMATION ASSISTANCE. WHY BUY EXPENSIVE BOOKS. THIS BLOG IS FREE. CLICK PIX TO READ

.

(2) CLICK PIX. SEE WHAT OTHERS WRITE

.

(3) A Music Professor, A Symphony Orchestra Conductor, Charlie Lazaroo's Grandson, A German Who Sells Sausages In Chinatown, A British Lady Who Used To Live In Singapore and Others. Click Pix to read what they say about this blog.

3) READERS LIVE:

IMPORTANT NOTICE ONE

Blog is personal, neither advertorial nor sponsored. Writers' views may not be my views. Infringements and inaccuracies will be deleted, so do advise. Write to me on the CURRENT POSTING COMMENT PAGE. You Tube postings are temporary. Acknowledge writer if you use information and personal images; send to a friend if you enjoy blog.

DISCLAIMER:

E-shops, illegal music & video downloads are not part of this personal blog which is neither sponsored nor advertorial. If mis-information, infringement on images or posts, do advise and they will be deleted immediately. You Tube videos are temporary to illustrate articles posted. Buy ORIGINAL COPIES only. Out of courtesy, please credit quotes and images taken from posts. Andrew LA Lim.